A Labour city councillor has defected to a new Stoke-on-Trent political party.

David Mountford, councillor for Great Chell and Packmoor, has become the Potteries Party's first elected member on Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Cllr Mountford, who was first elected in 2023, says that Labour 'has let down the communities' that voted for them, and now imposes 'the very hardships it was trusted to alleviate'.

At last night's full council meeting Cllr Mountford spoke out against the Labour-run city council's plans to develop fields outside Packmoor with up to 800 homes.

A total of 1,130 residents signed a petition opposing the council's decision to draw up a masterplan for the Packmoor land. Cllr Mountford said that the support for the petition showed that the community's voice is 'loud, clear and united'.

The Potteries Party was founded by three former Labour members in Stoke-on-Trent who felt disaffected at the way the party is being run.

Cllr Mountford said: "I became a councillor because I wanted to give something back and serve my community. And whilst it has been hard work, it has also been an honour.

"The Labour Party used to be my party — it was the party of my parents. I used to be proud of what it stood for and what it wanted to achieve for our communities. Unfortunately, the Labour Party is no longer that party.

"In truth, I am not leaving the Labour Party; the Labour Party has left me, and it has let down the communities that voted for them and for me.

"My conscience told me that I could no longer do the best for my community whilst being a member of a party that continues to impose the very hardships it was trusted to alleviate — a party that once listened, served, and represented its communities.

"I was brought up to understand that solidarity is a verb. In the Potteries Party, I have found good people with a hunger to improve our communities — not with an ambition to further their own political careers, but with a desire to put something back and help restore the spirit of community.

"The crest of my football team says 'United Strength is Stronger' — and now, more than ever, this rings true."

Great Chell and Packmoor is also represented by Labour councillor Sue Akkurt.

Andy Polshaw, one of the founding members of the Potteries Party, believes Cllr Mountford's decision marks a 'major step forward' for the party.

He said: "We've been speaking with David for a while and he has been unhappy with the Labour Party for some time. I think there could be others who might join us once they see what we're going to be doing in David's ward.

"As a party we're going to be guided by what residents want. We will take ideas from the left, right or wherever, as long as they align with our core principles, such as inclusivity."

Cllr Mountford's defection leaves Labour with 27 elected members on the city council. There are 13 Conservative councillors, one City Independent, one Reform UK councillor, one Potteries Party councillor and one non-aligned member.

Council leader Jane Ashworth has been approached for comment.

The Potteries Party, which is planning to field candidates in future elections in North Staffordshire, is organising a 'social gathering' for supporters and residents at The Glebe Inn, in Stoke, on Sunday, September 21, at 7pm. The event will feature food, live music and speeches.